Stephen F. Austin's Desmond Haymon (25) drives to the basket for a layup during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Katy, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey) less

Stephen F. Austin 68, Sam Houston State 49

Stephen F. Austin's Desmond Haymon (25) drives to the basket for a layup during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the ... more

Photo: BOB LEVEY, Associated Press

Image 3 of 35

Stephen F. Austin's Jason Martin (21) shoots over the outstretched hands of Stephen F. Austin's Jacob Parker (34) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Katy, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey) less

Stephen F. Austin's Jason Martin (21) shoots over the outstretched hands of Stephen F. Austin's Jacob Parker (34) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland ... more

Photo: BOB LEVEY, Associated Press

Image 4 of 35

Sam Houston State's Paul Baxter (21) shoots ovef Stephen F. Austin's Jacob Parker (34) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Katy, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey) less

Sam Houston State's Paul Baxter (21) shoots ovef Stephen F. Austin's Jacob Parker (34) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament ... more

Photo: BOB LEVEY, Associated Press

Image 5 of 35

Sam Houston State's James Thomas (20) shoots over Stephen F. Austin's Trey Pinkney (10) and Tanner Clayton (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Katy, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey) less

Sam Houston State's James Thomas (20) shoots over Stephen F. Austin's Trey Pinkney (10) and Tanner Clayton (30) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland ... more

Photo: BOB LEVEY, Associated Press

Image 6 of 35

Sam Houston State's James Thomas (20) is fouled by Stephen F. Austin's Nikola Gajic (4) as Jacob Parker (34) assists on the defense during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Katy, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey) less

Sam Houston State's James Thomas (20) is fouled by Stephen F. Austin's Nikola Gajic (4) as Jacob Parker (34) assists on the defense during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship ... more

Photo: BOB LEVEY, Associated Press

Image 7 of 35

Sam Houston State's James Thomas (20) drives to the basket for a layup over Stephen F. Austin's Desmond Haymon (25) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland Conference tournament Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Katy, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey) less

Sam Houston State's James Thomas (20) drives to the basket for a layup over Stephen F. Austin's Desmond Haymon (25) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Southland ... more

Photo: BOB LEVEY, Associated Press

Image 8 of 35

Stephen F. Austin 85, Northwestern State 78

SFA's Jacob Parker, center, drives to the hoop past Northwestern State's Gary Stewart (44) and Brison White during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Stephen F. Austin 85, Northwestern State 78

SFA's Jacob Parker, center, drives to the hoop past Northwestern State's Gary Stewart (44) and Brison White during the second half of a Southland Conference ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 9 of 35

SFA's Deshaunt Walker (3) argues with an official during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX..

SFA's Deshaunt Walker (3) argues with an official during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX..

SFA head coach Danny Kaspar yells instructions from the sidelines during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against Northwestern State, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

SFA head coach Danny Kaspar yells instructions from the sidelines during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against Northwestern State, Friday, March 14, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 16 of 35

Northwestern State's DeQuan Hicks, left, pulls up his shorts after they fell down during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against SFA, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Northwestern State's DeQuan Hicks, left, pulls up his shorts after they fell down during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against SFA, Friday, March 14, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 17 of 35

SFA's Deshaunt Walker (3) shows his displeasure with a call by the official during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

SFA's Deshaunt Walker (3) shows his displeasure with a call by the official during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 18 of 35

SFA's Desmond Haymon, left, shoots the ball as Northwestern State's Marvin Frazier defends during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

SFA's Desmond Haymon, left, shoots the ball as Northwestern State's Marvin Frazier defends during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 19 of 35

SFA head coach Danny Kaspar argues with an official during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against Northwestern State, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

SFA head coach Danny Kaspar argues with an official during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against Northwestern State, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 20 of 35

Northwestern State's DeQuann Hicks backpedals with his shorts down after a Demons two points during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against SFA, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Northwestern State's DeQuann Hicks backpedals with his shorts down after a Demons two points during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against SFA, Friday, March 14, ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 21 of 35

SFA fans yell at Northwestern State's Marvin Frazier as Frazier shoots a free throw during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against SFA, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

SFA fans yell at Northwestern State's Marvin Frazier as Frazier shoots a free throw during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game against SFA, Friday, March 14, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 22 of 35

SFA's Desmond Haymon, right, shoots the ball as Northwestern State's Marvin Frazier defends during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

SFA's Desmond Haymon, right, shoots the ball as Northwestern State's Marvin Frazier defends during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament semifinal game, Friday, March 14, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 23 of 35

Sam Houston State 70, Oral Robers 61

Sam Houston's Paul Baxter, right, shoots the ball over Oral Roberts' Brandon Conley during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston State 70, Oral Robers 61

Sam Houston's Paul Baxter, right, shoots the ball over Oral Roberts' Brandon Conley during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 24 of 35

Sam Houston's Michael Holyfield, right, blocks the shot of Oral Roberts' Brandon Conley during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston's Michael Holyfield, right, blocks the shot of Oral Roberts' Brandon Conley during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 25 of 35

Sam Houston head coach Jason Hooten, right, yells at an official during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Oral Roberts, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston head coach Jason Hooten, right, yells at an official during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Oral Roberts, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 26 of 35

Sam Houston's Michael Holyfield, right, blocks the shot of Oral Roberts' Bobby Word during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston's Michael Holyfield, right, blocks the shot of Oral Roberts' Bobby Word during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell ... more

Sam Houston head coach Jason Hooten, left, and his players cheer a Bearkats; three-pointer during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Oral Roberts, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston head coach Jason Hooten, left, and his players cheer a Bearkats; three-pointer during the first half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Oral Roberts, Thursday, ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 29 of 35

Sam Houston's James Thomas, center, is greeted by his teammates during team introductions before a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Oral Roberts, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston's James Thomas, center, is greeted by his teammates during team introductions before a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Oral Roberts, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at ... more

Sam Houston's Jarabi Peters, right, and Oral Roberts' Bobby Word chase after a loose ball during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston's Jarabi Peters, right, and Oral Roberts' Bobby Word chase after a loose ball during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at ... more

Sam Houston's Kaheem Ransom, right, passes the ball over Oral Roberts' Bobby Word during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

Sam Houston's Kaheem Ransom, right, passes the ball over Oral Roberts' Bobby Word during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 34 of 35

A member of the Oral Roberts band plays the cowbell during a timeout during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Sam Houston, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at Merrell Center in Katy, TX.. less

A member of the Oral Roberts band plays the cowbell during a timeout during the second half of a Southland Conference basketball tournament quarterfinal game against Sam Houston, Thursday, March 13, 2014, at ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith, For The Chronicle

Image 35 of 35

SFA, Sam Houston square off in SLC final

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KATY - Welcome home Trey Pinkney.

Now a sophomore at Stephen F. Austin, Pinkney had a number of good performances at the Merrell Center while playing for Seven Lakes. He had another one in his latest visit to his hometown arena.

Pinkney had a career-high nine assists and two late steals that led to critical buckets Friday as No. 1- seeded Stephen F. Austin rallied late to defeat Northwestern State 85-78 in a Southland Conference semifinal thriller.

The Lumberjacks (30-2) have won 27 consecutive games. They will face rival Sam Houston State in Saturday's championship game. It will air live on ESPN2. The winner clinches the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Stephen F. Austin led by 16 points early in the second half Friday, but had to turn back Northwestern State's comeback effort. The Demons took the lead with seven minutes left and led as late as the 4:45 mark.

The Lumberjacks took the lead for good on Pinkney's free throw with 3:49 remaining.

More Information

Results/ schedule

At Merrell Center

MEN

First round

Wednesday's results

Nicholls St. 71, SE Louisiana 64

Oral Roberts 66, McNeese St. 62

Second round

Thursday's results

Northwestern St. 88, Nicholls St. 72

Sam Houston St. 70, Oral Roberts 61

Semifinals

Friday's results

Stephen F. Austin 85, Northwestern St. 78

Sam Houston St. 69, Texas A&M-C C 62

Final

Saturday's game

Stephen F. Austin vs Sam Houston St. 7:30

WOMEN

First round

Thursday's results

Nicholls State 77, Oral Roberts 66

McNeese St. 78, A&M-Corpus Christi 73

Second round

Friday's results

Northwestern St. 69, Nicholls St. 65

McNeese St. 66, Central Arkansas 62

Semifinals

Saturday's games

Lamar vs. Northwestern St. noon

Stephen F. Austin vs. McNeese St. 2:30

Final

Sunday's game

Semifinal winners noon

"The atmosphere was amazing tonight," Pinkney said. "The game was fun, too. It was close down to the wire. It felt like I was back in my old high school games."

Stephen F. Austin got a bit of revenge. It lost to Northwestern State in last year's conference championship game. On Saturday night they'll have another chance to punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

Pinkney would love to do it in front of his hometown fans.

"It's going to be an emotional game for sure," Pinkney said. "We remember what it's like to come up short. We're ready for this opportunity to prove that we belong in the NCAA Tournament."